News from Insegal
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The Island Sentinel
MODERATE PLANS FOR NATIONAL SERVICE DEFEATED
Opposition parties and Independents rally against proposals for compulsory military training for the young men of Insegal
The Moderate Party faced its latest defeat in the National Convention yesterday, as independents and the major opposition parties united against plans to institute national service in Insegal. Only the minor National People's Party, infamous for its rather extreme and eccentric views, voted in favour.
Under Moderate proposals, all men would have been required to undergo military training for a year-and-a-half once reaching eighteen years of age, and thereafter attend regular training sessions and maintain a stockpile of weapons and ammunition at their homes. Special exemptions would have been granted to the mentally and physically unable, as well as to conscientious objectors.
Opposition parties and independents claimed the Moderate reforms would have needlessly jeopardised friendly relations with neighbouring countries, and undermined Insegal's constitutional commitment to permanent neutrality.
In return the Moderates claimed the present militia system, in which localities are responsible for arming and training their own men for the purpose of self-defence, left Insegal vulnerable to attack, and was plagued by a lack of co-ordination and poor funding.
Speaking to the press, leader of the Moderate Party and National Convener Crispin Halkett lamented:
Calum Wedderburn, Representative for Latern and member of the National People's Party, further commented:
Not all Moderate representatives were pleased by their surprise alliance with the National People's Party. One Moderate, who abstained from yesterday's proceedings and does not wish to be named, described the makeshift political union as a ‘disgrace’.
Originally the Moderates had hoped for the support of other parties. The leadership of the Farmers' and Fishers' League was rumoured to be in negotiations with the Moderate Party, demanding exemptions for farmers and fishermen from national service, and government investment into the creation of a blue-water navy in exchange for favourable votes. Illander fishermen have been increasingly complaining of intrusion into Insegal's territorial waters by foreign fishing vessels.
Similarly, the Toilers' Party was believed to demanding exemptions for workers in ‘vital industries’ and that the government source new equipment from local manufacturers, although party chairman Aulay Ruthven quickly rejected such speculation.
Only the United Islands alliance remained steadfast in opposition to the plans throughout, and were backed by influential bodies such as the Peace Church Council and Free Christians movement. Leader of the United Islands coalition Ranald Lammie, speaking after the Moderates' defeat in the National Convention, declared:
The Moderate plans for national service did have some historical precedent. In the mid-19th century, shortly after the establishment of the Commonwealth, each island province was required to provide manpower for national defence, each province's contribution dependent on their population size. This system was replaced by the current one after several decades of peace and harmony in the north Thaumantic.
MODERATE PLANS FOR NATIONAL SERVICE DEFEATED
Opposition parties and Independents rally against proposals for compulsory military training for the young men of Insegal
The Moderate Party faced its latest defeat in the National Convention yesterday, as independents and the major opposition parties united against plans to institute national service in Insegal. Only the minor National People's Party, infamous for its rather extreme and eccentric views, voted in favour.
Under Moderate proposals, all men would have been required to undergo military training for a year-and-a-half once reaching eighteen years of age, and thereafter attend regular training sessions and maintain a stockpile of weapons and ammunition at their homes. Special exemptions would have been granted to the mentally and physically unable, as well as to conscientious objectors.
Opposition parties and independents claimed the Moderate reforms would have needlessly jeopardised friendly relations with neighbouring countries, and undermined Insegal's constitutional commitment to permanent neutrality.
In return the Moderates claimed the present militia system, in which localities are responsible for arming and training their own men for the purpose of self-defence, left Insegal vulnerable to attack, and was plagued by a lack of co-ordination and poor funding.
Speaking to the press, leader of the Moderate Party and National Convener Crispin Halkett lamented:
“ In these dark and uncertain times, political representatives from across Insegal have forsaken the safety of their electors to instead indulge in puerile grandstanding in order to satisfy their own egos.”
Calum Wedderburn, Representative for Latern and member of the National People's Party, further commented:
“ Foreign powers have always desired these fair isles, and much blood has been spilled to guarantee their freedom. I now worry were we to be invaded, our enemies would not be met by cries of resistance, but cries of surrender.”
Not all Moderate representatives were pleased by their surprise alliance with the National People's Party. One Moderate, who abstained from yesterday's proceedings and does not wish to be named, described the makeshift political union as a ‘disgrace’.
Originally the Moderates had hoped for the support of other parties. The leadership of the Farmers' and Fishers' League was rumoured to be in negotiations with the Moderate Party, demanding exemptions for farmers and fishermen from national service, and government investment into the creation of a blue-water navy in exchange for favourable votes. Illander fishermen have been increasingly complaining of intrusion into Insegal's territorial waters by foreign fishing vessels.
Similarly, the Toilers' Party was believed to demanding exemptions for workers in ‘vital industries’ and that the government source new equipment from local manufacturers, although party chairman Aulay Ruthven quickly rejected such speculation.
Only the United Islands alliance remained steadfast in opposition to the plans throughout, and were backed by influential bodies such as the Peace Church Council and Free Christians movement. Leader of the United Islands coalition Ranald Lammie, speaking after the Moderates' defeat in the National Convention, declared:
“ Today the United Islands ensured no man would be forced to lay down his life at the behest of another and in direct contradiction of his own deeply held beliefs. May peace reign in our time.”
The Moderate plans for national service did have some historical precedent. In the mid-19th century, shortly after the establishment of the Commonwealth, each island province was required to provide manpower for national defence, each province's contribution dependent on their population size. This system was replaced by the current one after several decades of peace and harmony in the north Thaumantic.
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The Island Guardian
Editorial: One Council to rule them all
From education and welfare to defence, the Moderate Party is radically trying to extend the reach of central government at the expense of local governance
The Illander people are a great blend of many races, and the devolved nature of our politics has always meant to the reflect the curious diversity of our society. But ever since the first persecuted arrived, fleeing the old tyranny of the Tiburan Catholic Church, only to be followed by those fleeing the fresh tyranny of newly-established Protestant churches, and then by those fleeing the eternal tyranny of Monarchs, these Islands have been united by an instinctive hostility to great power.
Yesterday saw the defeat of proposals to introduce a system of conscription to this archipelago. Enforced service has long swelled the armies of depots and dictators, ancient and modern. For a brief period immediately after independence, Insegal also compelled men to bear arms, although this was to a setting of warfare. Today, we live in an era of relative tranquility.
The Moderate Party's plans for national service betrayed the party's heritage. Founded in reaction to religious and political extremism that threatened to divide Insegal, the contemporary Moderate Party is anything but moderate. From education and welfare to defence, the Moderate Party is radically trying to extend the reach of central government at the expense of local governance.
“The life of an Illander is distinctly parochial,” penned one Engellexic observer after visiting these isles, disparaging of the local worldview of the common Illander. While Engellexic soldiers were subjugating foreign lands to their laws, Illander farmers were tending to their flocks and families.
The words of that Engellexic traveler remain true. Many do not leave the island province in which they were born. Our tradition of local rule ensures the focus of lawmakers remains with their electors, not a national or international audience.
By further involving the National Convention in local affairs, the Moderate Party threatens to undermine Insegal's defining political tradition. Whilst yesterday saw a halt to the advance of the powers of the National Convention, until then it had been a series of victories. In areas of education, health and welfare, the Moderate Party enjoyed the active collusion of the Farmers and Fishers League and the Toilers Party, as well as a number of Independents.
Such changes have only been enabled by the dishonesty of Crispin Halkett, leader of the Moderate Party and the current National Convener. Elected on an inoffensive platform that had guaranteed polling success before, Mister Halkett has since proceeded to commit himself and this country to a course it did not agree to.
Somewhat paradoxically, if Illanders wish to keep politics at a local level, they must engage at a national level. Low voter participation in elections for the National Convention has allowed committed centralisers to gain influence, and also the inglorious entrance of unsavoury characters such as the National People's Party. The peoples of these islands need to wake up.
Editorial: One Council to rule them all
From education and welfare to defence, the Moderate Party is radically trying to extend the reach of central government at the expense of local governance
The Illander people are a great blend of many races, and the devolved nature of our politics has always meant to the reflect the curious diversity of our society. But ever since the first persecuted arrived, fleeing the old tyranny of the Tiburan Catholic Church, only to be followed by those fleeing the fresh tyranny of newly-established Protestant churches, and then by those fleeing the eternal tyranny of Monarchs, these Islands have been united by an instinctive hostility to great power.
Yesterday saw the defeat of proposals to introduce a system of conscription to this archipelago. Enforced service has long swelled the armies of depots and dictators, ancient and modern. For a brief period immediately after independence, Insegal also compelled men to bear arms, although this was to a setting of warfare. Today, we live in an era of relative tranquility.
The Moderate Party's plans for national service betrayed the party's heritage. Founded in reaction to religious and political extremism that threatened to divide Insegal, the contemporary Moderate Party is anything but moderate. From education and welfare to defence, the Moderate Party is radically trying to extend the reach of central government at the expense of local governance.
***
“The life of an Illander is distinctly parochial,” penned one Engellexic observer after visiting these isles, disparaging of the local worldview of the common Illander. While Engellexic soldiers were subjugating foreign lands to their laws, Illander farmers were tending to their flocks and families.
The words of that Engellexic traveler remain true. Many do not leave the island province in which they were born. Our tradition of local rule ensures the focus of lawmakers remains with their electors, not a national or international audience.
By further involving the National Convention in local affairs, the Moderate Party threatens to undermine Insegal's defining political tradition. Whilst yesterday saw a halt to the advance of the powers of the National Convention, until then it had been a series of victories. In areas of education, health and welfare, the Moderate Party enjoyed the active collusion of the Farmers and Fishers League and the Toilers Party, as well as a number of Independents.
Such changes have only been enabled by the dishonesty of Crispin Halkett, leader of the Moderate Party and the current National Convener. Elected on an inoffensive platform that had guaranteed polling success before, Mister Halkett has since proceeded to commit himself and this country to a course it did not agree to.
Somewhat paradoxically, if Illanders wish to keep politics at a local level, they must engage at a national level. Low voter participation in elections for the National Convention has allowed committed centralisers to gain influence, and also the inglorious entrance of unsavoury characters such as the National People's Party. The peoples of these islands need to wake up.
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The Latern Telegraph
Latern's best-selling daily newspaper
Port & Markets Constabulary seizes illegal alcohol shipment
Men of the Latern Port and Markets Constabulary proudly displayed their large seizure of smuggled alcohol at the dockside yesterday, as passing members of the public congratulated officers on their latest victory in the battle against booze.
Only last week did Port and Market constables discover massive quantities of hard liquor in warehouses across the area, while their partners in the Latern City Constabulary have closed dozens of illegal drinking establishments in recent months.
Constables boarded a foreign vessel, rumoured to be from Dietsland, late on Monday night, acting on information received early that day from an informant close to the criminal gangs smuggling in alcohol. Several thousand litres were seized by officers, with most of the contraband being fine wines.
Latern used to have a policy of strict prohibition, with the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol all banned. Campaigners attempted to impose similarly stringent regimes for tobacco and chocolate, although both of these initiatives were defeated.
The outright ban on alcohol was later replaced by a system of heavy regulation, which remains today. Alcohol can only sold in mandated outlets, which have limited opening hours, and customers are restricted in what they can buy. Most alcohol is sourced locally, with little imported.
Latern City Council has given no indication it wishes to change policy.
Latern's best-selling daily newspaper
Port & Markets Constabulary seizes illegal alcohol shipment
Men of the Latern Port and Markets Constabulary proudly displayed their large seizure of smuggled alcohol at the dockside yesterday, as passing members of the public congratulated officers on their latest victory in the battle against booze.
Only last week did Port and Market constables discover massive quantities of hard liquor in warehouses across the area, while their partners in the Latern City Constabulary have closed dozens of illegal drinking establishments in recent months.
Constables boarded a foreign vessel, rumoured to be from Dietsland, late on Monday night, acting on information received early that day from an informant close to the criminal gangs smuggling in alcohol. Several thousand litres were seized by officers, with most of the contraband being fine wines.
Latern used to have a policy of strict prohibition, with the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol all banned. Campaigners attempted to impose similarly stringent regimes for tobacco and chocolate, although both of these initiatives were defeated.
The outright ban on alcohol was later replaced by a system of heavy regulation, which remains today. Alcohol can only sold in mandated outlets, which have limited opening hours, and customers are restricted in what they can buy. Most alcohol is sourced locally, with little imported.
Latern City Council has given no indication it wishes to change policy.
Last edited:
Polesia
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The Brathwik Chronicle
FREE SPIRITS
Onerous restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol have achieved little and run contrary to our traditional belief in individual responsibility
The prohibitionist regime is coming to an end. City after city, town after town, village after village have voted to relax regulations on the selling and drinking of alcohol.
Brathwik is one of them. As of next Friday, private establishments will be able to sell alcohol for consumption on their premises, rather than forcing their customers to drink in the solitude of their own home. The punishment for public intoxication has also been weakened, with revellers now facing a charge rather than imprisonment.
It was a historic moment to see Tavish Pringle, leader of the Moderates, argue so eloquently for a change in the law. The Moderate Party was closely aligned with the Temperance movement, and Moderate lawmakers were instrumental in introducing many of the rules we still see today.
A true end to this system of taxes, fines, regulations and punishments would be most welcome. Firstly, it has been a failure. Insegal is not an abstinent society, and is unlikely to ever be.
Secondly, the measures run against some deeply ingrained beliefs of this country. A consequence of our geography, Insegal has always been marked by a culture of individual responsibility. But individuals cannot be responsible if not given the ability to make decisions, wise or not.
And while Temperance activists publicly appeared to be concerned with general wellbeing, there was always a latent Christian justification for their actions. This was dangerous, and should have been recognised as such. The laws implemented effectively sanctioned one interpretation of Biblical text over others.
We hope others will follow Brathwik in realising their impracticality and unsuitability for this country. Saner parts of these isles never instituted such restrictions, and should be commended for doing so. But many more did, and have yet to reverse their position.
FREE SPIRITS
Onerous restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol have achieved little and run contrary to our traditional belief in individual responsibility
The prohibitionist regime is coming to an end. City after city, town after town, village after village have voted to relax regulations on the selling and drinking of alcohol.
Brathwik is one of them. As of next Friday, private establishments will be able to sell alcohol for consumption on their premises, rather than forcing their customers to drink in the solitude of their own home. The punishment for public intoxication has also been weakened, with revellers now facing a charge rather than imprisonment.
It was a historic moment to see Tavish Pringle, leader of the Moderates, argue so eloquently for a change in the law. The Moderate Party was closely aligned with the Temperance movement, and Moderate lawmakers were instrumental in introducing many of the rules we still see today.
A true end to this system of taxes, fines, regulations and punishments would be most welcome. Firstly, it has been a failure. Insegal is not an abstinent society, and is unlikely to ever be.
Secondly, the measures run against some deeply ingrained beliefs of this country. A consequence of our geography, Insegal has always been marked by a culture of individual responsibility. But individuals cannot be responsible if not given the ability to make decisions, wise or not.
And while Temperance activists publicly appeared to be concerned with general wellbeing, there was always a latent Christian justification for their actions. This was dangerous, and should have been recognised as such. The laws implemented effectively sanctioned one interpretation of Biblical text over others.
We hope others will follow Brathwik in realising their impracticality and unsuitability for this country. Saner parts of these isles never instituted such restrictions, and should be commended for doing so. But many more did, and have yet to reverse their position.